City coordinates: 46.5396581, -72.7518637
Shawinigan is a city in Quebec located along the Saint-Maurice River in the Mauricie region. The city developed rapidly in the early twentieth century as a centre for hydroelectric power generation and heavy industry.
The powerful waterfalls and rapids along the Saint-Maurice River provided ideal conditions for hydroelectric development, attracting companies that built major power stations and industrial facilities in the region.
Today Shawinigan continues to maintain a strong industrial heritage while also promoting tourism, cultural activities and outdoor recreation connected to the nearby La Mauricie National Park.